flying to DC in Nov 15 - is there a cheaper nearby or indirect route?

mippy

Hello. We're planning a trip to Washington DC next year, but flights into DC seem to cost a bit more than flying into other destinations. I was wondering where the cheapest airport to fly into from the UK (London) was?

Last year when I checked it was cheaper to fly into Montreal - which I'd be more than happy with as I'd like to visit there too - but that no longer seems the case. In general, is there a cheaper destination to fly into, allowing us to travel on to DC eventually? I'd like to see more of the US if possible so I don't have an issue booking internal travel - as we can;t drive I've already researched how that would work. Thanks!

mippy

Oh - I looked at NYC flights, but the cost of getting a hotel there (plus the things we'd want to do) means getting a package deal to go only there would be cheaper. Otherwise, flying into NYC then travelling to Washington would be a good option!

NiftyDigits

mippy wrote: »

Hello. We're planning a trip to Washington DC next year, but flights into DC seem to cost a bit more than flying into other destinations. I was wondering where the cheapest airport to fly into from the UK (London) was?

Last year when I checked it was cheaper to fly into Montreal - which I'd be more than happy with as I'd like to visit there too - but that no longer seems the case. In general, is there a cheaper destination to fly into, allowing us to travel on to DC eventually? I'd like to see more of the US if possible so I don't have an issue booking internal travel - as we can;t drive I've already researched how that would work. Thanks!

I guess you missed the Wow Air promo then. Return flights for between £200 and £300 two to three weeks ago. Though to be fair, Nov 15 hasn't been released.

richardw

Is Baltimore airport any good?

callum9999

People can only really answer that if you say when you're going.

There are return fares from London to New York for about £400 each in June. If you're happy to travel by coach, you can get the Megabus from there to Washington in 4.5hrs for around $1 each if you make sure you book as soon as tickets are released.

For an idea of how much you'd be saving, fares to Baltimore or Washington were around £700 in the same period.

NiftyDigits

callum9999 wrote: »

People can only really answer that if you say when you're going.

There are return fares from London to New York for about £400 each in June. If you're happy to travel by coach, you can get the Megabus from there to Washington in 4.5hrs for around $1 each if you make sure you book as soon as tickets are released.

For an idea of how much you'd be saving, fares to Baltimore or Washington were around £700 in the same period.

It's in the title. It's ok...I sometimes miss it too.

jackieblack

We were in DC end Oct/beginning Nov (got back start of last week). We paid a little over £500 flying LHR to IAD, having booked during BA's sale in April.

(First time on the new A380, economy seats on upper deck, pair by the window. We'd happily pay extra for these seats on this plane agin )

Alan_Bowen

Wait until the Christmas sales from BA and Virgin and followed by everyone else and see what happens. BA will have a lot more seats to sell next year introducing the A380, as they are to Miami from next October so there may be a deal to be had. As a general rule, there is lot less competition on the Washington route than New York, most of those travelling in November will be on business and as a result fares tend to be higher. As you say, any saving flying to New York would be wiped out by a nights stay unless you want to rush onto a bus the same day your arrive......

callum9999

NiftyDigits wrote: »

It's in the title. It's ok...I sometimes miss it too.

So it is! I actually read through the post 3 times to make sure I hadn't just missed it and embarrassed myself by asking it...

You'll need to wait a bit longer for flights to start becoming available that late, but Icelandair fly to Washington for around £600, with the added benefit of letting you stopover there for free (one of my favourite countries - a stunning landscape). I agree with Alan - your best bet is to wait and hope Washington is in the New Year sales.